Fast Casuals honoring Pride Month with LTOs, donations

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although a parade may not be in the cards this year because of COVID-19, restaurants are still finding ways to honor LGBT Pride Month.

Social media backlash leads to Starbucks reversing ban on Black Lives Matter apparel

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 12, 2020

After enduring a social media backlash Thursday, Starbucks has not only reversed its policy on banning employees from wearing apparel in support of Black Lives…

Green Market Cafe launching franchising amid pandemic

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the pandemic isn't yet behind us, two restaurateurs are moving ahead with franchise plans for their up-and-coming concept, Green Market Cafe.

How Shake Shack, Chipotle supporting racial equality

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

June 8, 2020

Chipotle and Shake Shack, two fast casual brands that the industry holds up as leaders, are showing their support for racial equality.

Restaurants coming to the rescue amid COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurants all over the United States are doing their best to provide meals, supplies and funds to employees, frontline workers and members of their…

Following COVID-19: How the virus is affecting the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

FastCasual is doing its best to track how restaurants are handling the crisis and will update this story as we gather more information.

Torchy's Tacos reopens nearly all dining rooms

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

CEO of Torchy's Tacos GJ Hart said he is seeing promising numbers in stores where the company has reopened dining rooms in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and…

Pandemic speeds up operational changes at Sweetgreen

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Like so many other restaurants around the world, Sweetgreen shifted into crisis mode COVID-19 hit but is now preparing for its version of the "new normal."

Zaxby's shares COVID-19 recovery plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

After reading the PPP criteria and realizing that Zaxby's qualified, CMO Joel Bulger said the chain applied and then ended up giving back every cent.

COVID-19 isn't cooling growth at Dave's Hot Chicken

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Since launching its franchise plan in October, the 3-year-old concept has signed deals to develop 100 brick-and-mortar locations and plans to hit 200 by year's…

Potbelly may close 100 shops, Noodles delays quarterly report

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

As some restaurants around the United States are reopening, COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on many including Potbelly, based in Chicago, and…

10 reasons Fast Casual's Top 100 will be 'the virtual event of the year'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The 2020 Fast Casual Top 100 winners will be revealed during a live, virtual gala May 15.

Boston Market CEO talks Covid-19 strategy

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although Boston Market has been able to keep the majority of its restaurants open for delivery and curbside orders, CEO Eric Wyatt said he's had to make…

Pret a Manger reopening select NYC stores

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

April 29, 2020

While many restaurants throughout the United States have opted to stay open for delivery and carry-out during COVID-19, Pret a Manger decided on March 17 to…

Why Schlotzsky's isn't ready to reopen dining rooms

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although based in Georgia, where restaurants are now allowed to reopen dining rooms, Schlotzsky's has decided against welcoming in-store dining. COO Tory…

To reopen or not to reopen: How soon is too soon?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In all things, someone has to go first, and in the pandemic in which we are now living, the state of Georgia has taken the lead in allowing restaurants to…

It's business (almost) as usual at I Heart Mac & Cheese

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although sales are down 60-75% at I Heart Mac & Cheese, CEO Steve Giordanell is moving ahead with growth plans.

Tacos 4 Life co-founder on the permanent effects of COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Austin Samuelson reveals how the pandemic has forever changed his operations strategy.

Rubio's, Cowboy Chicken, Boston Market have Easter dinner covered

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Many Americans typically spend Easter Sunday at large family gatherings, which isn't possible this year with COVID-19 still running its course. Several fast…

SoBol CEO, franchisee not giving up during COVID-19

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sobol Co-founder Jason Mazzarone is doing everything he can to help his 6-year-old business survive.